featured teacher author: Cindy Feeney

1.     How long have you been on Teachers Pay Teachers?  What made you decide to be a part of it?

I have been selling here since June of 2011.

2.     When did you know that you wanted to be in education?

I wanted to be a teacher my whole life!  My dolls were my first students, then I moved up to the kids I babysat for, and then I made the decision my senior year in high school to go to college to be a teacher.  I was the first one in my family to go to college! Unfortunately, my high school guidance counselor told me that there were too many teachers in the field and that I would never get a job.  So he convinced me to go into dental hygiene. I will NEVER forget going to orientation and seeing all those dental chairs. My Mom was with me and I turned to her and cried. I told her I wanted to be teacher and that I didn't want to clean teeth!  Well she took me right over to registration and I changed my major right then!  I have NEVER regretted my decision!

3.      How are you currently involved in education?

I am a kindergarten teacher in a Catholic School. I also tutor twice a week.

4.     What would be your advice to people who are considering joining Teachers Pay Teachers?

Just do it! There is always going to be someone who will love what you do! I have learned so much reading the seller's forum and getting advice from some really topnotch teachers!

5.     What has been a highlight, thus far, about being on Teachers Pay Teachers?

I just love being part of this movement! I have always felt that I was a good teacher, but I never felt "polished." The teachers here on TPT are supportive and SMART! My teaching has improved tremendously because of the ideas and support that I get in this venue!

6.     What is something fun about you that other teachers don’t know?

Hmmmm.......... my husband and I LOVE Disney World! We spent our honeymoon there and took our kids there once. I never get tired of watching Disney movies!

7.     Do you participate in education outside of the classroom?  In what type of role?

As I said earlier, I tutor after school.

8.     What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

I have always thought that I would like to be a park ranger...... 

9.     What profession would you not like to do?

I would not like to be a banker, an accountant, or a salesman.

10. Who is your favorite author?  Favorite educational author?  And why?

My favorite authors are Jodi Piccoult and Nicholas Sparks. I like novels that take me away, but also make me think. For children's books, I love Lois Ehlert, Mo Williems, Leo Lionni, and Robert Munsch. I also like non-fiction books for kids, but cannot think of a favorite author. I just discovered Loreen Leedy though TPT and I am enjoying her books, too! I love books that teach kids in a colorful and fun way!

Cindy Feeney (Kinderkay)

Kinder Kay's TPT store

Kinder Kay's Prized Products

I am proud of my Polar Animal pack because I have been using it for many years in my classroom, so I know it works and is classroom tested!

Polar Region Animal Packet

I just posted my Winter Science and Literacy pack. It can be completed in about 5 days and I think it has some big thoughts for little minds in it.

Winter Science and Literacy Pack

Teachers Pay Teachers Link Up: It's a Spring Thing!

Book Look: The Red Pyramid By Rick Riordan

The Red Pyramid 

By: Rick Riordan 

Reviewed by: Brian from Wise Guys

Visit Wise Guys' Store on Teachers Pay Teachers

Summary

Rick Riordan, the author of The Lightning Thief and The Lost Hero series, takes it to an all new level with his new series beginning with The Red Pyramid. As with his previous books, Riordan incorporates gods and other supernatural beings into his novels, but this time the focus is on Egypt! The story's central characters are once again adolescents, Carter and Sadie Kane, who were separated from each other at a young age. Their paths cross once again when their parents are kidnapped. The story is told from their perspectives and takes you on an amazing adventure through the realm of Egyptian gods and creatures. There isn't a moment of boredom in the book. It will leave you craving the sequel, The Throne of Fire.

 

I would highly recommend this book to teachers if they have students that loved The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan as well. I enjoy how the two main characters take turns telling the story from their perspectives. There are a lot of reading strategies that you can discuss with your students based on this book!

Extensive Reading Activity Guide

Wise Guys offers a 114 page reading comprehension activity guide and key that goes along with the story. Our students love to do these guides because it provides them with fun activities related to the book. They are also challenged to search for answers in the book and to use reading strategies such as summarizing, predicting, connecting, visualizing, and so much more. The guide is easy to use and includes an answer key that is a tremendous help for the teacher.

We hope you take the time to read this book, and hopefully use it in your classroom too!

For more great reading comprehension guides on other great books click here.

If you are a huge Red Pyramid fan, you will not want to miss our CD that we created with over 15 activities that can be shipped to you for use in your classroom as well. You can find it by clicking here.

Never Too Old to Play a Math Game

By Vicky Rauch (Scipi)

Teacher Pay Teacher Store Front: Scipi

Students are smart and want to learn, but many are terrified of math. These students are referred to as mathphobics.

We all have these types of students in our classrooms, whether at middle school, high school, or college levels. When working with these types of students, it is important to bear in mind how students learn. Teachers can refer back to the Conceptual Development Model, which states students must first learn at the concrete stage (uses manipulatives) prior to moving to the pictorial stage, and in advance of the abstract level (the book). This method uses lessons with different manipulatives.

Games are an easy way to introduce and use manipulatives without making students feel like little kids. The level of mathematical difficulty is controlled by varying rules. Games are customized to meet instructional objectives students are learning. However, as with any classroom activities, teachers should monitor and assess the effectiveness of games.

When using games for learning, think about:

1) Excessive competition. Games are to be enjoyed rather than being “fights to the death”.

2) Mastery of mathematical concepts is necessary for successful play. Mastery should be at an above average level unless teacher assistance is readily available when needed. Games should not be played if concepts have just been introduced.

3) Difficulty of rules. If necessary, rules should be modified or altered so students perform well.

4) Physical requirements. Remember students who have special needs. These should be taken into account so all players have opportunities to win.

In addition to strengthening content knowledge, math games encourage students to develop skills, such as staying on task, cooperating with others, and organization. Games allow students to review mathematical concepts without risking being called “stupid”. Furthermore, students benefit from observing others solve and explain math problems using different strategies.

Games can:

1) Pique students’ interests and participations in math practices and reviews.

2) Provides immediate feedback for teachers. For example: Who is still having difficulty with a concept? Who needs verbal assurance? Why is a student continually getting the wrong answer?

3) Encourages and engages reluctant students.

4) Enhances opportunities to respond correctly.

5) Reinforces or supports positive attitudes or viewpoints of mathematics.

6) Students test new problem solving strategies without fear of failure.

7) Stimulates logical reasoning.

8) Requires critical thinking skills.

9) Allows student to use trial and error strategies.

Mathematical games give learners numerous opportunities to reinforce current knowledge and to try out strategies or techniques without worries of getting wrong answers. Games provide students with non-threatening environments for seeing incorrect solutions as steps towards finding correct mathematical solutions. 

Scipi's Related Teachers Pay Teachers Products:
Bug Mania Two Math Games Using Positive Negative Numbers  $1.79
Roll and Calculate: A Math Game Using Positve & Negative Numbers  $1.69

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Math Enrichment Worksheets: 22 Fun Activities with Answer Keys $4.50
Pirate Petes Treasure Math and Literacy Centers  $5.00

Beginning Reading Skills

Teachers Pay Teachers: Tessa's Store

Students recognize letters and letter sounds. But, how do you get them to become readers? What concepts need teaching in order for them to grow into engaged, thoughtful readers? There is no “easy” button for learning to read, but there are strategies that can make reading easier.

These strategies are best taught as explicit, think-aloud, mini-lessons during shared reading. Then, students apply the strategies with assistance and support during guided reading. Each strategy has its own animal-themed name, which is used for reference. Of course, each can be used without the animal names, as well. Matching Beanie Babies can be located to help teach the skills.

1. Lips the Fish (Get your lips ready): Say the first few sounds of the word. Read to the end of the sentence and say the sounds again.

2. Eagle Eye (Look at the pictures): Look at the picture for clues to what the word means.

3. Stretchy Snake (Stretch it out): Stretch the word out slowly. Put the sounds together.

4. Chunky Monkey (Chunk the word): Look for a chunk or word part you know.

5 . Skippy Frog (Skip it, skip it): Skip the word. Read to the end of the sentence. Hop back and read it again.

6. Tryin’ Lion (Try it again): Try to reread the whole sentence again. Try a word that makes sense.

7. Helpful Kangaroo (Ask for help): After all other strategies are used, ask for help.

It is helpful to record ongoing observations on how students are doing with their strategy use. This helps uncover which strategies need to be retaught to small groups or to whole classes. Also, it gives students continued reinforcement on certain concepts. Use the Guided Reading Recorded Notes form to help keep track of important information. It can be used to record strategies used with particular books, take notes of observations of students, and to keep track of their skill levels.

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April Showers Bring May Flowers Lab Report  $4.00
Synonyms for 23 Overused Words 3 Formats for Easy Reference  $4.25
Be A Reading Detective with Comprehension and Decoding Strategies  $5.00

Featured Teacher Author: Kayla, Primary Junction

1.     How long have you been on Teachers Pay Teachers?  What made you decide to be a part of it?

I joined Teachers Pay Teachers in September 2011 after coming across several teacher blogs that mentioned it.  I was very interested in the concept and wanted to try it myself. I thought I had several units and lesson ideas I could offer, so I joined and have loved every minute of it! Not only it is very motivating and inspiring as a teacher to create unique lessons, it is also a wonderful way to meet and learn from talented teachers.

2.     When did you know that you wanted to be in education?

I think there was always an inkling that I may have a career in education.  As far back as I can remember I have loved learning and school.  As a child, I loved to "play school", create lessons, check papers, visit school supply stores, etc. I finally decided to become a teacher after completing two semesters worth of internships in K-2 classrooms during my senior year of high school.  I absolutely loved working with children, but the moments that truly led me to teaching were when those light bulbs went off or when a child would thank me for helping them. After graduating from high school, I went on to graduate with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and a concentration/minor in Sociology.

3.      How are you currently involved in education?

I currently teach second grade, and this is my fourth year in education.

4.     What would be your advice to people who are considering joining Teachers Pay Teachers?

Do it! I have grown so much as a teacher as a result of Teachers Pay Teachers.  Not only has it inspired me to be even more creative when creating lessons and units, I have also learned so much about teaching as a result of other sellers and their products. That alone is worth it!  I haven't been selling for long, but I am beginning to see some results. As other sellers have shared, build a following through a blog and social networks (Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter) and give away items. You will build a following and success will come.

5.     What has been a highlight, thus far, about being on Teachers Pay Teachers?

I think the best highlight is that it has reinvigorated my love for teaching.  I have learned so much about being a teacher from other sellers, and being a seller has not only sparked my creative teaching, but it has helped me become a better planner and not procrastinate as much (which I'm really bad at). Being a seller is awesome because I love being able to help other teachers with their plans so they can have more free time.  I love receiving feedback that a product of mine has helped in some way.  As teachers, we often don't get a lot of notice or feedback about what we are doing in the classroom, so it's always nice to hear that other teachers appreciate our work.

6.     What is something fun about you that other teachers don’t know?

I LOVE to travel. Put me on a plane, and I'll go anywhere! ;-) I've also been lucky and fortunate to meet some well-known folks (I'm from the South by the way if you can't tell!) such as Dolly Parton, Ray Stevens, Jay Leno, Marie Osmond, Miley Cyrus (Yes, I am an awesome teacher when my kiddos find this out.), and more.

7.     Do you participate in education outside of the classroom?  In what type of role?

I am on the technology committee at my school where I help with technology issues, school newscast, grants, order supplies, and whatever else is technology-related! At home, I plan and create lessons and read to learn new ideas to use the in the classroom.

8.     What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?

I am extremely passionate about traditional country music, so it would be a dream to do anything related to the music business industry and by business I mean business - I am not talented in any way! I'd want a behind-the-scenes job. I also love to travel and am extremely interested in different countries.  I think majoring in International Relations would have been fun. Maybe in another life!

9.     What profession would you not like to do?

Anything dirty! I wouldn't want to work in plumbing, wastelands, or anything that requires getting messy. I prefer being able to dress-up and wear high heels!

10. Who is your favorite author?  Favorite educational author?  And why?

My favorite author is Robert Munsch! I loved his books as a child and love to share them with my students.  His books are hilarious and feature repetitive, predictable text so students can join in while reading.  I also love the Scaredy Squirrel series by Melanie Watts because they offer such wonderful discussion opportunities with my students. As for my favorite educational author, I really liked 'Black Ants and Buddhists' by Mary Cowhey, which is a fast, fun, and educational read for elementary Social Studies teachers.  It really changed the way I taught Social Studies.

Kayla (Primary Junction) Primary Junction's TPT store

Primary Junction's Prized Products

I am extremely proud of my Measurement Unit: Length and Area. I created it several years ago and use it every year with my students.  It is one of my favorite units to teach. It contains 108 pages of resources, step-by-step lessons, and over 10 interactive files for both the SMART Board and Activ Board. 


Measurement Unit: Length and Area

I am also proud of my Flat Stanley Project Guide, which is another unit I use with my students every year. It includes everything a teacher needs to do the mailing project with their class. 


Flat Stanley Project Guide

Helping Students Choose College Careers

It's almost time for high school graduations, and many students are unsure about choosing majors at colleges and universities. If your upcoming high school graduates fall into this category then they are not alone. According to a study published in John Garner’s Your College Experience, “21% of first-year students remained undecided about their major at the end of their first year”, and another “36% decided to pursue a different major.”

How do students choose majors when there are so many choices? Here are some questions and guidelines to help with career choices:

1. Remind students there are two kinds of degrees: Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. All specific areas, such as education, history, journalism, etc…, fall under Arts while Science relates to Biology, Nursing, Medical, etc… Then, each specific area is narrowed: forensics, teaching of math or English, physical therapist, marketing, cinematography, etc…

2. Are your students passionate about specific subject areas? If they enjoy reading, perhaps they could become librarians, or if they like science then chemistry might interest them. Today, there are specialized areas such as counseling, culinary arts, forestry, video gaming, and much more. Students should choose majors in specialized areas they enjoy. 

3. Have students take career-related assessment quizzes. Students can use a free government website to find career choices results. These short surveys include real-life questions, such as “Do you like to work puzzles?” or “Do you like to read?” Using students' answers, career choices are listed. These are very helpful if students are unsure what careers they might be interested in pursuing. This activity is fun for students in junior high on up.

4. Encourage students to speak with Career Center counselors at their colleges of choice. Also, there are many online options offered through colleges' websites, which should end in .edu to assure they are accredited colleges or universities. Usually, any courses taken at an accredited school will transfer to other institutions. There are many for-profit universities, as well, but students should be sure to ask about accreditations and transferring credits. Some colleges may offer credits for real-life experiences if students major within their workplace fields.

For students going off to colleges, choosing majors are life-changing decisions that should be taken seriously. Students in high school should receive plenty of guidance when deliberating career choices, so lend a hand by using the tips from above. 

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Nonfiction Worksheets and Projects Use with Most NF Books   $5.75
5 Es-Unit Plan Electricity Its Elementary  $6.00